Xiaomi Mi 3 discontinued for an indefinite time, focus shifts to the Redmi series

Xiaomi made a phenomenon debut in the Indian smartphone market with its beloved Mi 3. Mi India has sold around 95,000 units of Mi 3 so far on Flipkart via the Flash Sale model and is discontinuing the Mi 3 to focus on the Redmi 1s and Redmi Note.

The decision to discontinue the Mi 3 comes hand in hand with the launch of Redmi 1s, which would go on sale on September 2 for a price of Rs 5,999. Many fans would surely be disappointed by this development as they couldn’t buy their dream smartphone due to intense demand. The last batch also sold out in 2.4 seconds with many people turning disappointed, confirms the same. We would not be surprised if we see people selling their used/new Mi 3 at a premium very well knowing it has been discontinued for an indefinite time and has considerable demand. Selling Mi 3 via black markets even took place during it’s sale.

Xiaomi plans to focus on the Redmi 1s as of now and would like to introduce the Redmi Note after about a month in October. Around 40,000 units of Redmi 1s would be available at launch on September 2 along with its accessories. The Mi 3 accessories is about to go on sale this week along with the Xiaomi Piston 2 in ear headphone which we have already reviewed.

Xiaomi is specially focussing on the Redmi series as it is easier to mass produce them compared to the Mi 3. So, it will be able to cater to the demands of the Indian smartphone consumers who surely can’t get enough of the ‘Xiaomi hangover’. Also, with great pricing of the Redmi 1s at Rs 5,999, it could easily match up with the phones priced at Rs 15,000. Thus, it would also have extraordinary demands. We would expect Redmi Note to be launched at Rs 8,999.

People disappointed with not getting the Mi 3, would surely get the Redmi 1s or for that matter, wait for the Redmi Note. Also, people not in any hurry and adamant to use a flagship phone from Xiaomi, would wait for the Mi 4 which is due for late 2014 or early 2015 according to Hugo Barra, Vice President of Xiaomi Global.

Xiaomi could bring the Mi 3 back in November or it would be permanently discontinued and would pave the way for its latest flagship smartphone, Mi 4 for a price tag of about Rs 19,000.